Day 8

Mary & Joseph and their donkey had just had a meal when they came to stay with me and they were looking very content. What they noticed first of all was how very quiet it was. They had just come from a houseful of excited children and they missed their chatter and laughter.

They went exploring round my house and were mesmerised by the computer and wanted to know all about what it did and how it enabled you to communicate with people. So very different from life in Palestine.

My guests were also fascinated by my piano and wanted me to play a tune, but I could only manage a few notes as it was my children who played.  They were also surprised by the presents and Christmas cards which were displayed and it must have been very difficult for them to understand  although they were delighted when I said that it was all about celebrating the birth of their son.

The donkey wanted to go into the shower and I did let him stand inside but I really didn’t fancy the smell of wet donkey about the place so I wouldn’t turn the water on, although he wanted me to do. Jospeh was fascinated by it – perhaps if he had lived a few centuries later he might have been a plumber rather than a carpenter! He really did like my grandfather clock and I could see that he would love to have had a go at making one himself although of course the clock face and its workings rather baffled him.

All three of my guests had a quiet night. Donkey was looking forward to visiting a farm the next day. I was sorry to say “Good-bye”. They were excellent company.

Lesley B